Whether you are a walker, runner, bicyclist, or adventure-seeker, Florida’s Gulf Coast offers any number of scenic locations to enjoy the landscape while you burn those calories. Of course, during the summer months, the afternoons can get pretty hot, which is why the early morning or evening hours are when fitness enthusiasts are out in force. So, if you are finding yourself in something of a work-out rut, we are bringing you a list of ideas from our Michael Saunders & Company agents to get that heart rate going while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Manatee County
Manatee County is home to 75 miles of designated paddle trails.
Explore Mangrove Tunnels and Make Friends with the Manatees
Manatee County offers 75 miles of scenic trails designated for kayaks and canoes offering the perfect workout for the upper body while floating though serene sections of waterways. Learn more about the trail system from these detailed paddle maps and guide.
Wake up to a River Walk
Located in Bradenton, Bradenton’s Riverwalk offers a great outdoor exercise area that includes wide bricked paved sidewalks for walking, jogging and biking, beach volleyball, green lawns for yoga and tai chi, a skate park for the real enthusiasts, and beautiful views of the Manatee River. Learn more at Realize Bradenton.
Robinson Preserve in Manatee County
Observe the Preserve
Northwest Bradenton is home to Robinson’s Preserve. It’s a beautiful nature preserve with lots of opportunities for exercising like bike riding, walking, jogging, stair climbing, kayaking and canoeing. Discover all the details at RobinsonPreserve.com.
It’s All About the Beaches!
Anna Maria Island is a favorite destination for walking or jogging at the beach or swimming and paddle boarding in the azure waters of the Gulf.
150 Miles of Trails
Residents of Lakewood Ranch appreciate 150 miles of trails that all connect between the many parks and villages. View a Lakewood Ranch trail map here.
Amp up the Adventure in your Life
TreeUmph Adventure Course offers an action-packed day of challenges from zip lining to swinging bridges, obstacle courses and fun in the treetops.
Serene walking trails can be found at Manatee County parks.
Point Me in the Right Direction
Emerson Point Preserve in Palmetto offers a wonderful walking trail where the mouth of the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay. Park goers can walk among mangroves, palm trees and on wood deck bridges. There is also a kayak launch as well as a tower to see over the Bay towards St. Petersburg and Tampa. Manatee County offers more information on their website.
Sarasota County
Nothing beats a walk on the Ringling Bridge.
Crossing Sarasota Bay in Style
A Sarasota landmark, the Ringling Bridge is a top destination for viewing the sun rise and set as you walk or jog over Sarasota Bay. Fitness fans can park near Marina Jacks or the statue of Unconditional Surrender and get moving from there. Walking across and back takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour depending on how often you stop to admire the view. Read this article on theSaundersBlog to answer all your questions: You Haven’t Lived in Sarasota Until You’ve Crossed this Bridge.
The Legacy Trail has been named one of the top ten bike trails in Florida.
A Cycling Legacy
Running between Sarasota, Palmer Ranch, and Venice, the Legacy Trail is a 15-mile paved trail in Sarasota County rated one of the top 10 bicycle trails in the state of Florida. This travel corridor was once for the Seaboard Air Line Railway in 1911. Almost 100 years later, it was converted to the Legacy Trail. The trail now runs from Sawyer Loop Rd. in Sarasota to Venice and the southern trail-heads at Casperson Beach or Shamrock Park. Learn more: Friends of the Legacy Trail.
Nothing works those calf muscles like a real hill, as scene at the Celery Fields.
Field of Dreams
A hot spot for bird watching, the Celery Fields is Sarasota’s most famous (and only?) hill. This Sarasota County park is over 300 acres and is a popular destination for walking and wildlife watching. An added bonus is hearing the lions roar at the nearby Big Cat Habitat. The sounds and extra adventure will keep you looking over your shoulder as you hike! Find it at 6766 Palmer Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34240.
Walk on the white sands of one of our Gulf beaches. Siesta Key pictured.
Walk Barefoot on the Beach
Any of the beaches you’ll discover along our barrier islands, Siesta Beach, Lido Beach, or Longboat beaches, are perfect for an early morning run or an evening sunset stroll. Leave the iphone at home as you free your mind and listen to nothing but the seagulls and the sounds of the waves.
Walk the grounds of The Ringling.
Get Your Heart Pumping in Beautifully Manicured Gardens
The grounds of The Ringling in the Museum Area are free and open everyday from 9:30am – 6:00pm. It’s the perfect place to power walk among romantic statues, Mable’s Rose Garden, majestic banyan trees, a Dwarf Garden and the blowing breezes of Sarasota Bay. There’s even a playground for the young ones! Learn more: The Ringling Bayfront Gardens
The sun setting at Nathan Benderson Park.
Go Where They Row
Dog-friendly community park Nathan Benderson Park, home to the 2017 World Rowing Championships, is the perfect destination to work up a sweat as you make your way around the three mile breezy lake. The park has hash marks in the pavement every .10 of a mile to keep you goal-oriented. Rowers and kayaks keep you entertained. There are also some rare-found inclines going over a little bridge and overpass.
Tennis Anyone?
Sarasota is home to a number of public tennis courts but one of our favorites can be found at Payne Park with a well-maintained, well staffed Har-Tru tennis complex. There are also lighted courts for evening play. Learn more here.
Charlotte County
Boca Grande offers a beloved bike path that runs the length of the island.
A Railroad Runs Through It
The Boca Grande Bike Path runs 6.5 miles from the north end of Gasparilla Island through the downtown area, and ends at Gasparilla Island State Park. The path was once the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway, abandoned in 1981 after the closure of the phosphate port on the south end of the island. It was since re-purposed as a multi-use path for bicycles, pedestrians, and golf carts. View the trail map here.
Peace River Riders
The town of Punta Gorda offers some spectacular bike trails than run through the city and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the sights and sounds of over 13 bridges, wildlife refuges, historic downtown Punta Gorda, Punta Gorda Isles, and more. Learn more here: Punta Gorda bicycling routes.
Gilchrest Park is a scenic destination in Punta Gorda.
Historic on the Harbor
Though it’s currently closed for expansion, Gilchrist Park is a favorite of residents and visitors alike. Stretching 11 acres along Charlotte Harbor, favorite pastimes include tennis, pickle ball, basketball, fishing, walking, biking, and running. Get to know Gilchrist Park here.
Walking the bridge never gets old in Punta Gorda.
Bridge the Divide
The bridges that connect Punta Gorda to Port Charlotte always have runners, walkers, and bikers enjoying the views of the Peace River. Check it out here: Punta Gorda Bridge Facebook Page
Hounds on Henry
The Hounds on Henry Dog Park is a favorite for those wanting outdoor time with their four-legged friends. Learn more at the Hounds on Henry webpage. West Henry Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Exercise Among the Oaks
Located in Port Charlotte, Bayshore Live Oak Park offers a wealth of exercising amenities including a canoe and kayak launch, walking and biking trails, picnic shelter, barbecue grills, playground, fishing, Historic Center and restrooms. Get a taste of what you can expect at the Charlotte Harbor Travel website.
Are there more outdoor places you love to work out in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County? Tell us in the comments below what we may have missed!